Many people welcome animals into their home as companion pets. Unfortunately, some people have dogs and other domestic animals that are too vicious to own. When a person’s pet injures you, the damages can be quite severe. In many circumstances, pet and animal owners are responsible for the injuries caused by an animal attack.
Since 1974, the injury attorneys at Bilfield & Associates, LLC. have represented people throughout northeast Ohio who have been injured in attacks by dogs and other domestic animals. If you want to know who is responsible for compensating you for injuries caused by a dog or animal attack, contact our office in Cleveland, Ohio, for a Free Initial Consultation with one of our experienced injury attorneys.
In Ohio, there are two ways to impose fault (liability) for a dog mauling or animal attack. The first method is to have fault established in court. It requires proof that an animal owner had prior knowledge that his pet animal was likely to attack. Under this theory, you can recover not only regular damages, such as medical costs, pain and suffering, and costs of future medical care, such as plastic surgery, but also punitive damages. The second method is already established by an Ohio law. That law imposes strict liability (fault) on animal owners, making the animal owners liable for the injuries the animal causes, without regard to whether the animal owner knew that the animal was likely to attack.
There are certain breeds of dogs that the law recognizes as being vicious. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Akitas, Doberman Pinschers and German Shepherds are all considered overly aggressive dogs. The city of Cleveland, recognizing the dangers surrounding animal injuries, enacted a vicious animal law that requires animal owners to keep certain breeds restrained at all times.
If you or a loved one were attacked by an animal or dog, you should contact the experienced injury attorneys at Bilfield & Associates, LLC. at 216-696-LAWS216-696-LAWS to schedule a Free Initial Consultation that is 100% confidential.
